An abdominal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the abdomen (belly).
During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the abdominal area and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and white images show the internal structures of the abdomen, such as the appendix, intestines, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and urinary bladder.
A complete ultrasound of the abdomen evaluates all of the abdominal organs. A limited ultrasound of the abdomen evaluates one or multiple organs, but not all.